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Mariners Sign Northwest Native Jason Bay

Jason Bay at the plate during the 2009 All-Star Game in St. Louis. (Getty Images)

The Mariners officially announced the signing of free agent outfielder Jason Bay today to a one-year contract. For those not familiar with Bay, this is a homecoming of sorts. The three-time All-Star is a Northwest native who was raised in Trail, British Columbia, Canada (130 miles North of Spokane) and was a standout at Gonzaga University in 1999-2000. Bay currently resides in Kirkland, so his commute to work will be pretty easy across the 520 or I-90

Appeared in 14 postseason games with the Red Sox in 2008-09, batting .306 (15×49) with 3 HR and 9 RBI.

Was acquired by the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 2003 trade for Brian Giles, along with current Mariners LHP Oliver Perez.

Won the West Coast Conference batting title as a senior at Gonzaga in 2000 after batting .388 with 15 home runs…also ranks 3rd in Gonzaga history with 35 home runs despite playing just two seasons (1999-2000).

Played for Canada in the 2006 and 2009 World Baseball Classic combining to bat .467 (7×15) in 5 games.

Ranks 3rd among Canadian born Major Leaguers with 211 career home runs (Larry Walker – 383, Matt Stairs – 259).

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